What Content is Illegal to View Online in England?

Question from mm, What Content is Illegal to View Online in England?

Answer from AI:

In England, as well as the rest of the UK, certain types of material are illegal to access or view online. It’s important to be aware of these categories to avoid inadvertently breaking the law. Here are some types of content that are illegal to view on a website in England:

• Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM): Any images or videos that depict minors in sexual activities or in a sexually explicit context are illegal. This is covered under the Protection of Children Act 1978 and the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
• Terrorist Material: Viewing or accessing content that encourages terrorism, shares instructions on how to commit terrorist acts, or promotes terrorist organizations is illegal under the Terrorism Act 2000 and the Terrorism Act 2006.
• Extreme Pornographic Material: This includes images or videos that depict acts that threaten a person’s life, acts that result in or appear to result in serious injury to a person’s anus, breasts, or genitals, or bestiality or necrophilia. The Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 addresses the legality of such content.
• Hate Speech: Material that incites hatred on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation, or against persons with disabilities may be illegal under the Public Order Act 1986.
• Obscene Publications: The Obscene Publications Act 1959 and 1964 make it an offense to publish material that has a tendency to “deprave and corrupt” those who are likely to read, see, or hear it.

It’s important to note that simply stumbling upon illegal content accidentally is not necessarily a crime; it’s the intentional access and viewing of such material that is illegal. However, if you do accidentally come across illegal material, you should report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), and avoid sharing or disseminating the material.

If you are concerned about content you have viewed online or if you are unsure about the legality of certain material, it is advisable to seek legal advice from a qualified professional. Legal professionals can provide guidance based on the specific circumstances and the current state of the law.

For more information on what to do if you encounter illegal content online, you can visit the Internet Watch Foundation or the UK government’s official reporting page for terrorist content.

Remember, laws and regulations can change, and the interpretation of what is considered illegal content can vary depending on the context and the nature of the material. Always consult with a legal professional for personalized advice.